Ex-JFS head named new Jewish schools inspection chief

Former JFS headteacher Jonathan Miller has been announced as the new chair of the Board of Deputies’ inspection service, Pikuach, which assesses schools’ Jewish religious education programme.

Miller was recently appointed executive director of the London School of Jewish Studies (LSJS), and takes over the Board role from Joan Jacobs, following his tenure as head of JFS, during which time the school was downgraded from ‘outstanding’ to ‘requires improvement’.

He will draw on his 30 years’ experience as a teacher to oversee the strategy and development of Pikuach, the statutory equivalent of Ofsted for Jewish religious education, working alongside Pikuach director Jeffrey Leader.

“I am honoured to have this opportunity of contributing to the significant work Pikuach undertakes in ensuring that standards of Jewish education are maintained and developed further in the community’s excellent Jewish schools,” said Miller.

Board of Deputies Chief Executive Gillian Merron said: “We are delighted that Jonathan has agreed to become the new Chair of Pikuach. He brings a wealth of experience to the post.”

Leader paid tribute to Jacobs, who had “helped to oversee the publication of the new Pikuach Inspection Framework and for me, personally, was always someone I could turn to for advice and support”.